Hydrogen sulfide, or H₂S, is one of the leading causes of workplace gas inhalation deaths in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hydrogen sulfide was the cause of 46 worker deaths between 2011 and 2017. It is a heavy gas that can easily build up inside of confined spaces, and can’t be detected by smell at high concentrations. It is for this reason that testing breathable air systems for H₂S is imperative to keeping your workers safe.

Hydrogen sulfide testing can be done in a variety of ways. However, test results can become compromised if proper maintenance and inspection of testing equipment is not performed. Incorrect data from hydrogen sulfide testing can result in risks to your workers’ health.

What is included in data-driven hydrogen sulfide testing?

The data collected from hydrogen sulfide testing can help you be one step ahead in mitigating risks to your workers. Performing preventive maintenance also relies on the data collected from H₂S testing. That is why easy and immediate access to testing data should be the number one priority for workplace safety. 

Your testing data should include:

• Inspection reports — All breathing air systems in your workplace should undergo regular inspections. This includes testing all equipment for proper levels and functionality. Malfunctioning or underperforming equipment can result in imprecise testing.

• H₂S toxicity analysis — The legal exposure limit of hydrogen sulfide in the air is 20 ppm. It is vital that any increase in the volume of hydrogen sulfide in the air be reported immediately. Exposure to the gas for more than 10 minutes can be hazardous, even when below the legal limit.

• Historical record keeping — Records of every inspection, performed maintenance and service call for your air systems should be at your fingertips. In case of a malfunction, the data can help determine if there has ever been a lapse in maintenance.

• Quick and easy access — The data from hydrogen sulfide testing should be able to be accessed quickly and easily from any device. Reports from testing should also be available the same day that the testing was performed.

Can Basin Safety’s BaSS system help me keep my workplace safe?

Basin Safety’s BaSS system offers comprehensive maintenance and testing services to help keep your workplace safe from safety hazards. Our data-driven approach to testing, maintenance, and service allows you to mitigate the risks of hydrogen sulfide exposure and other workplace dangers.

Our technicians are available for field service as well as routine maintenance, and every record of our work is uploaded the same day to the BaSS system. You and your team will have access to all relevant data as soon as you need it.

Contact Basin Safety today for more information on our field services.